Assam Police Detain 16 Bangladeshi Nationals Amid Crackdown on Illegal Immigration
Intensified Operations Against Illegal Immigration
Assam Police apprehended 24 illegal immigrants in two separate operations (Photo: Meta)
Guwahati, Oct 20: In a significant move against illegal immigration, Assam authorities detained 16 individuals from Bangladesh in two distinct operations over the last 24 hours.
During the latest operation, Mankachar police apprehended 13 Bangladeshi nationals along with an Indian citizen in the Kuchnimara region of South Salmara-Mankachar district on Monday night.
The group comprised five women, two minors, and six men, who were reportedly trying to cross into Bangladesh when they were intercepted by law enforcement near the international border.
Initial investigations indicate that these Bangladeshi nationals had been residing and working in various parts of India for a considerable time and were allegedly on their way back home when caught.
The Indian national detained alongside them has been identified as Moksedur Rahman, though his connection to the group and his role in their attempted border crossing remain uncertain.
All 14 individuals are currently in the custody of Mankachar police, who have yet to release an official statement regarding the incident, with further details anticipated following interrogations.
In a separate incident on the same day, the Railway Protection Force (RPF) detained three Bangladeshi nationals on the Guwahati–Sairang Express at Lumding Railway Junction.
The detained individuals, Bilal Hussain, Amir Ali, and Hassan Mia, are reportedly from Sunamganj district in Bangladesh.
They were apprehended from Train No. 15609, the Guwahati–Sairang Express, based on preliminary reports.
Initial accounts suggest that these men entered India via the India-Bangladesh border in West Bengal’s Murshidabad region, allegedly paying around Rs 15,000 to an Indian intermediary. This information has not been independently verified.
The recent detentions follow an announcement by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who stated that 24 foreign nationals suspected of illegal entry were apprehended from various homestays across the state.
“While most of Assam is enjoying the festivities, Assam Police is on the lookout for illegal activities! Based on intelligence, 24 illegal immigrants were found hiding in different homestays,” Sarma shared on social media.
The Chief Minister did not specify the nationalities of those detained, the locations of the operations, or the countries from which they allegedly entered India.
“Assam welcomes festival-goers, but strict action will be taken against illegals as per the law. @assampolice remains vigilant 24/7,” he added.
Assam shares a 267.5-km international border with Bangladesh across districts like Sribhumi, Cachar, Dhubri, and South Salmara-Mankachar, making border management a critical security issue for the state.